Deon Cameron Middleton passed away peacefully and quietly on Tuesday June 20, 2017 in Port McNeill and District Hospital with his wife Cheryl and father Don by his side. Deon is so missed and loved by his wife Cheryl, father Don Middleton (Pauline), mother Gloria Middleton, sons Jim Hall (Aidan), Brendon Hall (Tracee), Brother in Law Darren Morley (Amber), niece Sarah and nephew Zack, Brother in Law Mike Morley, Leigh-Anne Hall the mother of his sons, step siblings Dana Batho and Dusty Batho. Deon leaves behind Uncles, Aunts and cousins as well as many friends, all of who love him and miss him terribly.
Deon was born in Fredericton NB on May 6, 1964, his family moved from Fredericton to Ontario, then out to BC; he spent the majority of his life on Vancouver Island in Ladysmith, Port McNeill, Victoria and finally Sointula.
Deon followed in his father’s footsteps with his career, he became a licensed denturist and worked side by side with his father for many years before branching out on his own to Victoria and then taking over his dad’s practice in Port McNeill in 2004.
He played many sports, but excelled at Hockey; he loved tennis, baseball and golf and spent many of his days in the rink, on the golf course or the tennis courts. He coached his 2 sons in Hockey, baseball and lacrosse over the years in the different communities he lived and was always involved in sports somehow with his kids, his friends and his wife. Deon’s favorite team was the Toronto Maple Leafs, no matter how well or how poor they were doing he remained a true lifelong fan. Deon walked and rode his bike from his home to town daily and would always wave or nod at anyone walking, riding or driving by, he loved walking the trail with his dog Cali.
After moving to Sointula, Deon became a member of the Malcolm Island Lion’s Club; he loved helping others out. He was kind and generous and always gave to whoever needed it, no matter who they were or what their situation. Deon’s love of life and his humor were infectious; he loved his family and friends so much and was so proud of his sons. There were many trips with family and friends to Mexico and the US, and he made a lot of lifelong friends on those trips.
Several years ago, Deon developed a neurological disorder that first took his ability to speak; this was devastating to him as he was unable to tell his stories, jokes and tales. He still found ways to make us all laugh using his tablet to type out jokes and stories. His sense of humor, quick wit and storytelling kept everyone laughing constantly.
We wish to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and kind words from everyone on Malcolm Island and beyond. There are so many special people who made the last few years less difficult for Deon and provided so much support for the family. In particular - his care givers Debbie, Shelley and Teresa, friends Steve, Donna, Shannon, Oonagh and Auntie Suze, the Malcolm Island Lions Club members, their spouses and all the friends who made meals and helped with other tasks, or simply gave a hug. A special thank you to Dr. Armogam, nurses Colleen and Hannah, the Home and Community Care Team, and the staff of the Port McNeill and District Hospital for their care and compassion. Words cannot express our gratitude to everyone.
Donations can be made in Deon’s memory to the F.I.N.N Fund (Friends in Need Now) C/O The Malcolm Island Lions Club - P.O. Box 64, Sointula BC V0N 3E0, or the Sointula Cemetery - P.O. Box 51, Sointula BC V0N 3E0.
A celebration of Deon’s amazing life will take place at a later date this summer in Sointula, BC.
Remember Deon for his love of life and family, his wit and humour, he would want us to smile, laugh and say Hello – especially to a stranger, and always have a joke to tell.
Deon - you are so missed and so loved.